catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Astronomical \As`tro*nom"ic*al\ (-[i^]*kal), a. [L.
     astronomicus, Gr. 'astronomiko`s: cf. F. astronomique.]
     Of or pertaining to astronomy; in accordance with the methods
     or principles of astronomy. -- As`tro*nom"ic*al*ly, adv.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Astronomical clock. See under Clock.
  
     Astronomical day. See under Day.
  
     Astronomical fractions, Astronomical numbers. See under
        Sexagesimal.
        [1913 Webster]

  Clock \Clock\ (kl[o^]k), n. [AS. clucge bell; akin to D. klok
     clock, bell, G. glocke, Dan. klokke, Sw. klocka, Icel. klukka
     bell, LL. clocca, cloca (whence F. cloche); al perh. of
     Celtic origin; cf. Ir. & Gael. clog bell, clock, W. cloch
     bell. Cf. Cloak.]
     1. A machine for measuring time, indicating the hour and
        other divisions; in ordinary mechanical clocks for
        domestic or office use the time is indicated on a
        typically circular face or dial plate containing two
        hands, pointing to numbers engraved on the periphery of
        the face, thus showing the hours and minutes. The works of
        a mechanical clock are moved by a weight or a spring, and
        it is often so constructed as to tell the hour by the
        stroke of a hammer on a bell. In electrical or electronic
        clocks, the time may be indicated, as on a mechanical
        clock, by hands, but may also be indicated by direct
        digital readout, with the hours and minutes in normal
        Arabic numerals. The readout using hands is often called
        analog to distinguish it from the digital readout. Some
        clocks also indicate the seconds. Clocks are not adapted,
        like the watch, to be carried on the person. Specialized
        clocks, such as atomic clocks, may be constructed on
        different principles, and may have a very high precision
        for use in scientific observations.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     2. A watch, esp. one that strikes. [Obs.] --Walton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The striking of a clock. [Obs.] --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A figure or figured work on the ankle or side of a
        stocking. --Swift.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The phrases what o'clock? it is nine o'clock, etc., are
           contracted from what of the clock? it is nine of the
           clock, etc.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Alarm clock. See under Alarm.
  
     Astronomical clock.
        (a) A clock of superior construction, with a compensating
            pendulum, etc., to measure time with great accuracy,
            for use in astronomical observatories; -- called a
            regulator when used by watchmakers as a standard for
            regulating timepieces.
        (b) A clock with mechanism for indicating certain
            astronomical phenomena, as the phases of the moon,
            position of the sun in the ecliptic, equation of time,
            etc.
  
     Electric clock.
        (a) A clock moved or regulated by electricity or
            electro-magnetism.
        (b) A clock connected with an electro-magnetic recording
            apparatus.
  
     Ship's clock (Naut.), a clock arranged to strike from one
        to eight strokes, at half hourly intervals, marking the
        divisions of the ship's watches.
  
     Sidereal clock, an astronomical clock regulated to keep
        sidereal time.
        [1913 Webster]

  Astronomical \As`tro*nom"ic*al\ (-[i^]*kal), a. [L.
     astronomicus, Gr. 'astronomiko`s: cf. F. astronomique.]
     Of or pertaining to astronomy; in accordance with the methods
     or principles of astronomy. -- As`tro*nom"ic*al*ly, adv.
  
     Astronomical clock. See under Clock.
  
     Astronomical day. See under Day.
  
     Astronomical fractions, Astronomical numbers. See under
        Sexagesimal.

  Clock \Clock\, n. [AS. clucge bell; akin to D. klok clock, bell,
     G. glocke, Dan. klokke, Sw. klocka, Icel. klukka bell, LL.
     clocca, cloca (whence F. cloche); al perh. of Celtic origin;
     cf. Ir. & Gael. clog bell, clock, W. cloch bell. Cf.
     Cloak.]
     1. A machine for measuring time, indicating the hour and
        other divisions by means of hands moving on a dial plate.
        Its works are moved by a weight or a spring, and it is
        often so constructed as to tell the hour by the stroke of
        a hammer on a bell. It is not adapted, like the watch, to
        be carried on the person.
  
     2. A watch, esp. one that strikes. [Obs.] --Walton.
  
     3. The striking of a clock. [Obs.] --Dryden.
  
     4. A figure or figured work on the ankle or side of a
        stocking. --Swift.
  
     Note: The phrases what o'clock? it is nine o'clock, etc., are
           contracted from what of the clock? it is nine of the
           clock, etc.
  
     Alarm clock. See under Alarm.
  
     Astronomical clock.
        (a) A clock of superior construction, with a compensating
            pendulum, etc., to measure time with great accuracy,
            for use in astronomical observatories; -- called a
            regulator when used by watchmakers as a standard for
            regulating timepieces.
        (b) A clock with mechanism for indicating certain
            astronomical phenomena, as the phases of the moon,
            position of the sun in the ecliptic, equation of time,
            etc.
  
     Electric clock.
        (a) A clock moved or regulated by electricity or
            electro-magnetism.
        (b) A clock connected with an electro-magnetic recording
            apparatus.
  
     Ship's clock (Naut.), a clock arranged to strike from one
        to eight strokes, at half hourly intervals, marking the
        divisions of the ship's watches.
  
     Sidereal clock, an astronomical clock regulated to keep
        sidereal time.

  astronomical clock /ɐstɹənˈɒmɪkəl klˈɒk/
  orloj

  astronomical clock /ɐstɹənˈɒmɪkəl klˈɒk/
  astronomische Uhr
   see: clock, clocks, station clock, pendulum clock, chess clock